Benue, Chinese investors partner to revive oil palm production

The Benue State Government has sealed a partnership with a team of Chinese investors to rejuvenate the state’s oil palm industry under the Alia Palm Project.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Special Adviser on Foreign Investment, Hon. Addingi Alex, said discussions with the investors had been fruitful, adding that the initiative would transform oil palm cultivation and processing in the state.

According to him, the partnership will establish large-scale plantations, modern processing plants and full value-chain development that would generate employment, boost revenue and empower farmers.

The investors commended Benue’s fertile land and favourable climate, noting that their experience in agro-industrial projects across Asia and Africa would ensure the project’s success.

Governor Alia assured that the state government would provide land, infrastructure and investor-friendly policies, while also prioritising the welfare of host communities.

The project will also feature high-yield nurseries and farmer training in modern cultivation methods, a move experts say could place Benue among Nigeria’s leading palm oil producers.